Immanuel United Church Newsletter

March, 2016

Holy Week and Easter Worship at Immanuel—2016 The Mark Project Takes Us to the Tomb

Palm Sunday March 20 11 a.m. Palm Sunday Worship

Good Friday March 25 11 a.m. Quiet and reflective worship with special music offered by Peter, Eileen and the Choir

Easter Sunday March 27 7:30 a.m. “Sunrise” Service—informal worship with communion, followed by continental breakfast served by the Men’s Study Group

11 a.m. Celebration of Communion, with special music offered by Peter, Eileen and the Choir

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The Break in the Crown

Several years ago now, I was able to visit Exeter Cathedral

In Devon, the area of England from which my Dad’s parents

came. The cathedral was bombed and partially destroyed

in the Blitz that devastated downtown Exeter in the spring

of 1942. This crown of thorns, created by area artist Matt Dingle,

was commissioned by the cathedral’s Council of Church and Society, and hangs above the altar in the

small and beautiful Peace Chapel. Outside the chapel hang these words:

In the Christian tradition the Crown of Thorns was placed on the head of Jesus prior to his crucifixion

as a parody of his kingship. In medieval times the Crown of Thorns served as a reminder of the

humility required of the Church if it was to demonstrate the love of God. The twisted nature of the

painful thorns recalls both injustice and the warped use of a life-giving plant. The pointed barbs offer

us a sense of the horrors of war and the incarceration of human beings. The weight of the structure

reminds us of the heaviness of oppression and those who struggle for liberation from cruelty or

domination. However, the break in the crown also leaves room for hope and possibility beyond the

pain and pressure. This Chapel stands in contrast to the symbolism of the thorns and seeks to

counter violence, repression and environmental destruction—instead seeking to promote justice,

peace and the wholeness of creation.

This Holy Week, may we discern the break in the crown that leaves room for hope and possibility

beyond the pain and pressure of our world. And may we arise on Easter Day with new strength to

stand as the Chapel does, in contrast to the thorns, seeking to promote justice, peace and the

wholeness of creation. Nancy

Things are moving along with the plan to work with the

Discovery Homes division of Gateway Construction and

Engineering to develop the land adjacent to the church. At

a meeting of the congregation on January 23, 2016, the

decision was made to go ahead with the proposal, which

will see three 8-unit condominium buildings constructed on

the land. As the units are sold, Discovery Homes will pay

Immanuel United Church 1/24 of the value of the land, and a $10,000 per unit fee, resulting in

a projected total of $690,000 to support Immanuel’s ongoing work and witness in the East

Kildonan area.

We had hoped to proceed immediately with a presentation to Winnipeg Presbytery Executive

and a request that our proposal be approved. Before we were able to meet with Presbytery,

however, we were reminded by the EDGE Network for Ministry Development at the General

Council Office in Toronto that we had agreed (in the 2014 Letter of Agreement) to negotiate

with them, to contribute both to the ongoing administrative costs of the EDGE Real Estate

program a fee that would contribute to a funding pool for other congregations hoping to

participate in the program in the future. Much consultation and negotiation ensued, here at

Immanuel, with our Presbytery Property Chair, Dwight Rutherford, and with the EDGE

network staff. At first EDGE requested a 3% fee (approximately $21,000), but for various

reasons, the Back Forty Team and Council determined that this was too high an amount, and

we went back to EDGE with our own suggestion. EDGE graciously agreed not to delay the

presentation of the proposal to Presbytery, and the Back Forty Team decided to take to the

congregation a recommendation that, as the revenue comes in, Immanuel will pay EDGE a 1%

administrative fee ($6,900), with an additional one half percent ($3,450) when the funding

pool has been set up. The Back Forty Team also decided to recommend to the congregation

that as a way of recognizing the fact that we are on Treaty One Land and the traditional

territory of the Metis, 1% of the total revenue (as a minimum, rather than a limit) be

committed to the work of Truth and Reconciliation. These recommendations were passed in a

congregational meeting on March 13, 2016.

We now are ready to take our proposal to Winnipeg Presbytery Executive for its approval.

Once that has been done, Discovery Homes will have the go-ahead for the zoning work, etc.,

that must be done before enough units can be pre-sold for the actual construction to begin.

A Room with a View

The office continues to be busy and I always look forward to seeing and hearing from people. I am enjoying

this spring weather we are having. I look forward to the upcoming Immanuel Players Production.

I am in the office Tuesday to Thursday mornings.

Sharon Vandenberg, Office Administrator

On the next page, you’ll find the financial implications as outlined for the March 13th

congregational meeting. We will continue to update the congregation as progress is made.

Thank you for your interest, and your patience with the process.

The Back Forty Team

Financial Implications of Congregational Decisions of March 13, 2016

The project financial implications related to the congregational decisions are as follows.

Included in the calculations below, but not reflected in the motions, is the repayment of a

loan from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) that paid for Phase II work

with Barbara Myers of SvN (formerly Regional Architects). The projected total revenue for

the project is based on a figure of $450,000 for the sale of the land. This number could

vary with the assessments that will be part of the process, although we do not expect it to

vary significantly. Please note that all of the expenses below will be covered by project

revenue as it is made available, and not from the general fund of Immanuel United Church.

Projected Total Revenue from Project: $690,000

Projected Initial Expenses from Project:

1% EDGE fee to contribute to administration of the program $6,900

.5% EDGE fee to contribute to national Real Estate Pool 3,450

1% commitment to Truth and Reconciliation 6,900

CMHC Loan Repayment 4,725

$21,975

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Projected Available Revenue after Payment of Initial Expenses: $668,025

At the January 23, 2016 meeting of the Immanuel congregation, it was agreed that the

Council will design a process that will allow the congregation to engage in in-depth

conversation and consultation regarding the appropriate use, consistent with the Church’s

mission, of the proceeds of the sale of the land adjacent to the church, and of the proceeds

of the associated profit-sharing arrangement, and that Winnipeg Presbytery would be part

of this consultation. The Council will ensure that this consultation process is designed and

begun.

In addition, please note that it is possible that the cost of some building improvements

that will be used by the residents of the condominium housing (for a rental fee) will be

shared with Immanuel by Gateway Construction and Engineering.

Finance Team Report – March 2016

The 2015 Income Tax Receipts have all been distributed or mailed. If you have not received yours or it has

been misplaced, please contact the church office or a member of the Finance Team to have a duplicate issued.

Along with the tax receipt, you will have received a report on how your 2015 givings to the church have been

allocated. Your Finance Team makes every effort to ensure that your offerings are allocated according to your

directions on your offering envelopes, but mistakes can happen. So, if something has been allocated

incorrectly, please let a member of the Finance Team know and we will correct it.

Our Red River Co-Op rebate cheque arrived at the end of February. The overall amount that Red River Co-Op

returned to its members is down from the previous year, so our rebate cheque of $186.31 is lower than last year.

Many thanks to everyone who uses our Co-Op number 193228 when purchasing gas or groceries from Red

River Co-Op. This money is used towards our operational expenses and is gratefully received.

We don’t have the numbers for the end of February yet, however our financial picture at the end of January

2016 is better than January 2015.

Income Expenses Deficit

January 2015 $88702.84 $106707.83 $18004.99

January 2016 $81573.95 $86247.06 $4673.11

As you can see, although our income is down by over $7100.00, our expenses are over $20,000.00 less than the

same time last year. This is largely due to a decrease in our repair and maintenance expenses in the operational

budget. Although the decrease in income is a bit concerning, the amount of the 2016 deficit is certainly good

news to those of us who watch over the finances of Immanuel.

Our Mission and Service givings to the end of January are $18103.05. This is an increase over the $17104.12,

which we had given to the end of January 2016. We have also given $1228.00 for the emergency relief efforts

of the United Church. Our White Gifts of $2040.00 also increased over last year.

All of the financial gifts of the congregation are greatly appreciated.

Yours in Faithful Stewardship

Your Finance Team: Pat Schulz, Connie Kryschuk and Debbie Bilous

This year’s Dessert Theatre Play is “$38,000 for a Friendly

Face”. It will be performed at 7:30 pm on April 21st, 22nd

and 23rd. Please spread the word to friends and family.

Tickets are $15.00 each and will be available through the

office or email iuchurch@mymts.net

Remember to come for the play and stay for dessert!

Report from Caring for our Faith Community Cluster Our purpose in writing this report is to keep in touch, remind you of the mandate of this cluster and to say, THANK YOU!

The responsibilities of this Mission Cluster is to group and coordinate the functions, persons, teams and groups with

responsibility for care and upkeep of the church property and building, as well as for hospitality and welcome, and pastoral

care and support of all within the congregation.

We three elders work together in carrying out this coordination but have accepted the lead roles in the following areas:

Jim: Property/Building team, Caretaking, Fowl Supper.

Eileen: Immanuel Players, Hospitality Events, Communication of Events.

Muriel: Pastoral Care, Affirming Ministry.

Since spring last year, the kitchen floor was replaced. The behind the scene coordination was applying for a Provincial

Government grant, hiring and supporting the Flooring Company. The boiler was repaired, the south side shingles were

replaced, each requiring coordination in conjunction with the people who so willingly and effectively maintain the building

and property. Many, many thanks to all who cut grass, shovel snow, fix and repair, build, do major cleaning jobs (like the

kitchen, lounge etc.) and all who participate in caring for our building and grounds. Have you heard of phantom workers?

Many of these people are the phantom workers and the jobs get done! The regular weekly cleaning, the set up and set down

of the Worship Centre are carried out by the caretaker.

Thanks also to the Fowl Supper coordinator and her team of willing workers. We served approximately 425 dinners with 65

take outs. A big bouquet and a word of appreciation to the Girl Guides, for their enthusiastic help with the serving. Union

Gospel Mission and Rossbrook House enjoy the leftover food. The tentative date for the 2016 Fowl Supper is OCTOBER 29th

from 4-7, 2016. Mark your calendar for this opportunity to invite our neighbors, family and friends for dinner.

Last summer, we negotiated with the Royal Sports Soccer Camps, who use the Melrose Community Grounds to offer soccer

camps in July and August, to rent our building in the event of inclement weather. Although the weather held and they didn’t

require the building, we were pleased to supply this backup service to the participants. We have agreed to again negotiate

with them.

A Mother’s Day Tea and the Rewind Concert also provide opportunities to invite the neighbors in for good music and fun. As

this report is being written, the Immanuel Players are hard at work preparing for the upcoming play,”$38,000 For A Friendly

Face” on April 21, 22, and 23rd .Again, thanks to all involved to make these events, truly community efforts.

The Pastoral Care Coordinators, also part of this cluster, work with Nancy and many of you, visiting, contacting folks, offering

rides to worship and many other acts of caring. Funerals/Memorial Services, planning C.P.R. training, Retirees Luncheons and

planning for Flowers at Worship is coordinated by this group. They depend on you to contact them with information of any

one in need of a visit.

The Affirming Ministry is also part of this cluster. Our goal is to be welcoming to all who enter our community. Last year a

group joined in the Pride Parade in June and plan to again this year. Join the parade carrying the Immanuel Banner at this

year’s parade on JUNE 5th at 12 noon. Watch for announcements with more details

In November, as the Elders of this cluster, we planned and led Worship. This was an opportunity not only for us to think about

how and what we all do but also the “why” of this Ministry.

We have come to appreciate how we overlap and participate with the other Mission Clusters, the Council Elders and the

whole community. For this we are truly THANKFUL.

In shared ministry, Eileen Metcalfe, Jim Ross and Muriel Kenyon

Faith Formation and Life Long Learning Cluster Report A few words about Sunday school... Since Christmas, the children have been studying life in first century Galilee, learning about what life was like when Jesus was growing up. We have learned about what people wore, how people lived, games children played, what people ate... We have looked at archaeological artifacts and created a village. In the next few weeks, we will be finding ways to share our learnings with the congregation. Stay tuned for more information. Thanks to the members of the study groups who continue to learn and serve faithfully. Thanks to the members of the Tuesday morning study group who gifted us with the beautiful sign in the window of the Sunday school room. I want to offer a particular word of thanks to Jane Nicholls for her many years of dedicated leadership with the children of the congregation and for the gift of sharing with her for two years the responsibilities of Guiding Elder of this cluster. Ann Naylor, Guiding Elder

Report on Partners in Mission Dreamweavers Meeting - Saturday, February 26, 2016

After a time of prayer and reflection on the Refugee experience, led by Heather Friesen from Manitoba Interfaith Immigration

Council, Rita Chahal ( Executive Director of Welcome Place) gave us an update on their current efforts to welcome and provide

settlement services for a greater than normal number of refugees. In order to accommodate the number of people arriving, they

have acquired three new locations outside the space at Welcome Place to create temporary short term housing to deal with this

influx of people. Normally new immigrants would be housed in these short stay apartments for approximately 3 weeks but at the

moment they can only remain there for up to 10 days before they need to move out into the community on their own in order to

accommodate newer arrivals. Needless to say, this is hardly enough time to provide the services necessary and they have had to

hire 25 new staff members to accommodate this influx. Because things are happening so fast at this initial stage, monetary

donations to help provide immediate necessities would probably be the most helpful, followed by donations of household and

personal items. When these immediate concerns are taken care of, they foresee that Volunteers will be able to play a much larger

part later in the process. If you would like to donate items, contact the Canadian Red Cross @ 1-888-662-3211 or Welcome Place @

204-977-1000 to find out what is needed and where to drop items off. Monetary donations may be made directly to Manitoba

Interfaith Immigration Council or by indicating an amount in the "Other" section on your weekly envelope givings.

Connie Budd provided us with an update on activities and programs happening at Northend - Stella Community Ministry. She

reported that she now has several groups that meet on a regular basis at the Indigenous Peoples Family Centre on Selkirk Ave. - a

Sunday Worship Circle, a Wednesday evening Women's Circle, and a Grandmothers & Girls Group that meets the last Saturday of

the month. In addition to these groups she leads a Sacred Circle at St. Matthews- Maryland every Tuesday afternoon and visits Oak

Table Community Ministry on Thursdays. She also spends time visiting people in hospital offering them comfort and support.

With all this activity happening now, Connie has given us a new "Wish List" that is posted in the Amen Corner. The list consists of a

variety of things from coffee and tea for their gatherings to supplies for their cooking and crafts projects. This gives us some

direction in how we can continue to honour our commitment to Northend Stella. All donations would be greatly appreciated.

Submitted by Dianne Tucker

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If you would like to take up any of these challenges and offer support to any of these Ministries it can be done through your weekly

offering envelope (just indicate an amount in the "other" section) or place your gift in the box in the Amen Corner. Thanks for your

support!

Lent Challenge Thank you for participating in the 1JustCity Lent Challenge, and for learning more about what we do by reading the 5 pieces to follow. 1JustCity is an umbrella that supports the crucial work our member charities do serving Winnipeg’s under-loved and under cared for. We are serving people that no one else is, in ways that no one else is able, because we openly love them. We do this because of the faith tradition you share with us. We do this because of you, because of your love and support for our work. Monday “If your feet are wet, dry feet are a big change.” At Oak Table, gentleman after gentleman walk in wearing sneakers during our coldest winter months. Some walk from a rooming house or small apartment to find community. Others walk in from a night on the streets. Oak Table is a place to warm up, be fed, be welcome and get dry. As our volunteers do

footcare first aid, helping with wounds, letting cold feet warm then dry, putting wet socks back on is awful! So often people choose to go without if we don’t have enough supply to provide new dry ones. Do you have enough to provide new dry socks? We ask that your congregation go a day without socks this Lenten season, and then collect new or gently used men’s socks as well as donations for Oak Table Community Ministry. Tuesday “One reliable cup of coffee in a safe space in what is otherwise chaos.” We have a young woman visiting St. Matthews Maryland right now who is recovering from many traumas in her life and as a result also recovering from addictions. The house she lives in has many people who use drugs, and St MM is a space for her to be safe - safe from temptation, safe from pressure to use, safe from the constant stress and chaos. And a place to access a little luxury. A coffee! Now imagine one of your own worst days, where you couldn’t wait for that cup of coffee to bring calm. Now imagine there’s no milk. Recently StMM’s deliveries from Harvest stopped including milk for coffee. Even if you drink your coffee black, we ask you to quit coffee, or whatever warms you, and brings you calm in struggles, for a day, and gather donations for StMM to buy milk for coffee. Wednesday “I have nowhere else to go to get a hug, I have no family.” For far too many, the impacts of family breakdown mean facing the world alone, for even more of our Indigenous brothers and sisters family breakdown is a result of the actions of the government and churches. It is important to remember that even if we are not responsible, we are response-able. One of the things we do through North End Stella Community Ministry is try to rebuild families and support the learning of traditional knowledge. We ask you in this season of Lent to go a day without contacting a family member, and think of those who don’t get to make the choice to contact one when they want, then please gather donations in support of the new program at NESCM, the grandmothers, granddaughters circle. Thursday “ The love I feel puts me in danger.” LGBTQ youth have higher rates of mental illness than any other demographic, because of bullying, because of a lack of social acceptance, because of hate, because of a lack of understanding, and because even though within our walls, we work towards safer space, safe space is still scarce. Through Rainbow we offer a liberal theology, and the Good News, news that all are loved, all are created with purpose and that diversity is beauty. We ask you to forgo holding your partner’s hand, or showing affection in public, as so many in our Queer community are unable to do for fear of their safety, or do daily despite their experiences of homophobia. We then ask you to put your own price on affection, your own price on feeling safe and welcome, and make a donation to 1JustCity.

Friday “ I can’t get a job if I smell bad in the interview, I can’t get a place where I can shower unless I have a job, so I come to West Broadway.” Poverty is a cliff, and many we know and love are walking along its edge. It is a short fall but a seemingly impossible climb back up. For those trying to gain employment who are currently homeless, accessing shower and laundry services is crucial. We ask you forgo showering for a day or laundry for a week, and then collect toiletries, gently used towels and financial donations towards the water bill at West Broadway Community Ministry.

White Gift 2015 Report

Thank you letters will be posted on the AMEN bulletin boards for all to read.

Your generous gifts were distributed as follows:

Agape Table $300

Winnipeg Harvest 6 boxes of food $500

LITE $250

Raymond Flett Christmas Feast food $100

North End Stella Ministry 4 boxes food $500

Interfaith Immigration hygiene products and woollies $200

St Matthews Maryland Ministry 6 boxes: food, personals and gifts

United Church of Canada Mission and Service Fund $190

TOTAL gratitude, happiness, loving, health, ripples of kindness $2040

Community Ministries Supplies Requested by Lynne Strome

Consider the loaves and fishes Immanuel has a covenant relationship with North End Community Ministry (NECM)(formerly Stella). This ministry was in total transition during the last few years. Thanks to great perseverance and the determined leadership of Connie Budd and board of directors, NECM is back up and running. We may now continue our support by helping to contribute to their supply needs, as we have done for years on the third Sunday of each month. During this hiatus, many Immanuel folks have been supporting the St Matthews Maryland Community Ministry (SMMCM), which is not officially included in Immanuel's Partner in Mission Cluster. Both services very recently began cooking lessons and sharing programs to teach and feed their respective neighbourhoods. At a recent Living Our Faith in the World cluster meeting, it was agreed that honouring our covenant with North End will renew our support of their programs and visions. This includes helping with the needs list for each third monthly Sunday. On the occasion that supplies more suitable to St. Matthews be donated, they would be delivered there, also. Both lists are posted on the AMEN bulletin board. Thanks to you and may you continue to live in the abundance of God's grace.

THANK YOU IMMANUEL From

United Church of Canada Mission and Service Fund

Join in the good work

Support to the M & S portion of offering is both appreciated and an essential part of

stewardship . This unified fund pools all of our gifts and distributes them to a wide

variety of projects and programs in Canada and overseas. Requests for funding are

brought to conferences, which consult with presbyteries to make funding decisions.

Policy guidelines set up the framework used annually to review requests/needs and

allocate the donations received. Your regular donations to the United Church M & S

Fund make it possible to administer and process services throughout the year. That is

why we need your annual commitment in order to make the budget work best.

Overseas, the United Church works in long-term relationships with partner churches

and agencies whose goals and objectives support our own. In Canada your gifts sustain

everything from educational and ministry training to congregational support, to refugees,

to local mission work like North End Stella Community Ministry and much more.

A portion of the M & S Fund is also annually allocated for emergency response to allow

an immediate and initial response to crisis as they erupt. The United Church also

belongs to ACT (Action by Churches Together), a global alliance of faith-based

agencies associated with the World Council of Churches. ACT has the capacity to

quickly assess and intervene in emergency disaster situations and is renowned for its

skills at quickly networking and mobilizing personnel and supplies in the most effective

ways.

Disasters and emergencies require funding over and above the regular commitments,

however. Your M & S SUPRAGIFT is the amount you label and enter in the “other”

space on your offering envelope. Some examples are: Haiti, Hurricane Katrina, Tsunami,

Darfur. Any emergency in the world can be relieved by your contributing a supragift in

addition to your regular M & S pledge. Your donation automatically becomes tax

refundable.

We are called by faith to “do justice, love kindness and walk

humbly with God”. We can do this well by supporting the

Mission and Service work of the United Church of Canada.

Thanks for joining in.

Lynne Strome

M & S Enthusiast Ps – Any questions???

STEWARDSHIP—CALLED TO BE THE CHURCH

Previously the Stewardship Team presented a service entitled, "Stewardship--Called to Be the Church" and at that time we indicated that we would be revisiting the topic over the next month. This can be awkward as in the United Church we tend--even prefer--not to talk about money. Today we have included in the bulletin a breakdown of our congregation's givings. We decided do to this based upon our own discussions within our stewardship team--How much should we be giving? Were we giving enough? How much do others give? We decided we wanted to know this information and thought that if we wanted to know, possibly you wanted to know as well. As you review this data you might consider your financial offering as it relates to the value you receive from being a part of Immanuel. It's also important to keep in mind that everyone's situation is different. Some people are in the midst of raising families, paying mortgages, putting children through school. Some are on fixed incomes. Some attend as families, or couples, or singles. Many factors relate to one's financial ability to give. And stewardship is not only a matter of money. Some offer their time by assisting with worship through participation in the choir, acting as greeters, making coffee and tea, operating the sound system, planning special services, teaching Sunday School. Additionally, the church could not fulfill its mission without the service of people on the various cluster teams and all of Immanuel's outreach projects. Your time and talents are equal in importance to your financial stewardship. Please consider how you might integrate the stewardship lifestyle into your intentions for 2016. Breakdown of Congregational Givings:

14% households gave

$50.01 to $200/week or up to $10,400/year

8% households gave

$40.01 to $50/week or up to $2,600/year

12% households gave

$30.01 to $40/week or up to $2,080/year

11% households gave

$20.01 to $30/week or up to $1,560/year

27% households gave

$10.01 to $20/week or up to $1,040/year

18% households gave

$5.01 to $10/week or up to $520/year

11% households gave

Up to $5.00/week or up to $260/year

Stewardship – Called to Be the Church

The following is an excerpt from the worship service of January 24 presented by the Stewardship Team.

Why I Give

What is your earliest memory of giving? How do you feel thinking back on that memory? The Stewardship Team would like you to think about why you give.

1. I give because I value the local ministry.

We are quick to support and recommend to friends and family events and services where we believe we

have received value for our money. For example—a nice dinner at a certain restaurant, a concert, a play, a

massage therapist, a book we’ve read, even a brand of cookie.

Reflection Questions:

Do you believe that there is a value received from being a part of a local community of faith? If so,

how would you define that value?

Do you think your local community of faith experience is valuable enough to recommend that experience to others?

Do you consider it valuable enough to financially support its continuance?

We asked Pat Schulz to share her responses to these questions.

I don’t often think about value received when I think about Immanuel. Value Received seems like more like something you would say about a business than about a community of faith. What does value received mean in terms of a community of faith? Certainly I receive something back from my participation in the life of Immanuel. I wouldn’t have kept coming if I didn’t. The days of coming to church because it is a societal expectation are long gone. So what do I receive here? Support (I feel surrounded by people who care). As many of you know I have had some health issues over the last few years and I have always felt the love and support from the people of Immanuel. Encouragement (to try new things – to move out of my comfort zone in a supportive environment). Perspective (a different way of looking at the world and being in the world that you don’t hear otherwise). Growth (a faith where it is okay to have questions, to not necessarily agree on all the details and where mystery and changing understanding is encouraged). These are all the value received from my being part of the Immanuel community. In this day and age, not many people are interested in being part of a faith community but I try to let my friends and acquaintances know how much I value Immanuel. I support Immanuel both financially and in other ways because I believe in our mission and what we do here. Immanuel is a big part of my life and I know my support (along with everyone else’s) is needed in order for its work and witness to continue. - Pat Schulz

2. I give because I value outreach partnerships.

Canadians in general value the work of charitable and non-profit organizations. Statistics Canada said that

in 2010, 94% of Canadians aged 15 and over gave material goods or food or made a financial donation, to a

total of $10.6 billion.

In the church we give not just out of the kindness of our hearts, but out of a sense of responsibility to our

brothers and sisters in our communities and around the world. Whether it is one-time giving to a disaster

relief or ongoing giving to a program, there is a sense of duty to make the world a better place for all. That

sense of responsibility is also reflected in the same report that found that donors who are religiously active

gave an average of about three times more than donors who aren’t. That impulse to help, serve, or work

for justice has also been one of the cornerstones of the United Church heritage. In 2014, approximately

$30 million went to our Mission and Service.

We also give and support out of a sense of paying it forward. We help today because we do not know

what tomorrow will bring. Tomorrow, we may be the one who needs help. Or perhaps we were once the

ones who needed help, and now are giving back.

Please take a moment to reflect on these questions which are written in your order of worship.

Reflection Questions

When you think about the terms “outreach” or “partnerships,” what comes to mind?

Do you feel that your givings to outreach are making a difference? Has an outreach ministry made a difference in your life, or in the life of someone close to you?

How do you prioritize your givings?

We asked Dianne Tucker to share her responses to these questions. Outreach, to me, means a responsibility to offer support to others, whether it's within our church community or in the wider local and global communities. In addition, I think the word "partnership" infers an added commitment of responsibility, such as in our relationship with our Partners in Mission - Northend Stella and the Interfaith Immigration Council. This support can take many forms - from just listening and helping to giving whatever we can when needed. Do I feel that my givings to Outreach are making a difference? Sometimes we're fortunate enough to get some feedback such as a simple "thank you" for something we've done or we may actually get to see the outcome of a particular effort. But often we have no way of knowing for sure that our givings have made a difference. I think we just need to have faith that support offered thoughtfully, sincerely and respectfully will surely make a difference in someone's life and will be appreciated. In response to the question - Has an Outreach Ministry made a difference in your life? Personally, I think that any form of Outreach that I've been involved with has provided a huge opportunity for learning from other people and situations. It has shaped my attitudes about many things and helped make me a wiser and more compassionate person. How do I prioritize my givings? I really have no definite carefully thought out plan - but most often I split my monthly givings 1/2 to the operations of the church and 1/2 to Mission and Service. In addition, I respond to other urgent appeals as I'm able.

- Dianne Tucker

3. I give because I believe in a greater vision.

Reflection Questions

Describe your vision of the “new kingdom.”

Where do you see glimpses of the “new kingdom” in action?

How can you support the greater vision of how things could be, or should be?

We asked Sharon Doerksen to share her responses to these questions.

Describe your vision of the “new kingdom”. Peace and justice reign in the new kingdom where each individual is worthy, sacred and recognized as being created in the image of God. Where do you see glimpses of the new kingdom in action? According to Matthew’s gospel, the tiniest seed can become a large tree. Here is a glimpse of the new kingdom in action; a story of the impact of a smallish deed: Years ago, the CBC morning crew spent a week in various rural Manitoba communities. In the week which featured Winkler, Manitoba, Terry McLeod interviewed a woman who worked in the Mennonite Central Committee warehouse. One part of their work is to collect handmade blankets and send them all over the world. (We know about blanket making.) The MCC representative spoke of a letter she had received from a woman living in a war torn country. This woman had received an MCC blanket, and she wrote that in the daytime, she hung the blanket on her wall to make her home more beautiful. At night, with the sounds of explosions in the distance, she wrapped herself in the blanket and knew that she was loved. That’s a glimpse of the new kingdom. How can you support the greater vision of how things could, or should be? Through worship; By continuing to learn; By considering the many ways in which Immanuel is involved in Outreach and choosing one or two or more; Support with your time,

your talent, and, your money.

- Sharon Doerksen

How I Give

How do you give—financially, and with your time and talents.

1. Give in secret Matthew 6:2—4 2“So when you give something to a needy person, do not make a big show of it, as the hypocrites do in

the house of worship and on the streets. They do it so that people will praise them. I assure you they

have already been paid in full. 3But when you help a needy person, do it in such a way that even your

closest friend will not know about it. 4Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what

you do in private, will reward you.”

2. Give with generosity and thanksgiving Corinthians 9:10—11 10

The man who plows and the man who reaps should do their work in the hope of getting a share of the

crop. 11

We have sown spiritual seed among you. Is it too much if we reap material benefits from you?

3. Give from your heart Mark 12:41—44 41

As Jesus sat near the temple treasury, he watched the people as they dropped in their money. Many

rich men dropped in a lot of money; 42

then a poor widow came along and dropped in two little copper

coins, worth about a penny. 43

He called his disciples together and said to them, “I tell you that this

poor widow put more in the offering box than all the others. 44

For the others put in what they had to

spare of their riches; but she, poor as she is, put in all she had—she gave all she had to live on.”

Reflection Questions

What do you think about the models for giving that are reflected in the three scripture passages above? Are they consistent with our personal giving?

Is there a passage that causes unease?

Does another scripture passage come to mind for you?

How might you integrate the stewardship lifestyle into your intentions for 2016?

SHARING OUR GIFTS -- TIME AND TALENT 2016-2017 Rosters

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to care for one another and to share our gifts with the community. How might you serve Immanuel with your skills, interests, time and talents? Below you will find some opportunities to contribute in specific ways to the ongoing ministry of our congregation.

The form allows you to indicate when you are NOT available, or which role/duty interests you. This will help us greatly in scheduling.

Worship—Weekly Responsibilities

Yes

Please indicate dates/months you are NOT available

Serve Communion

Read Scripture

Greeter/Offering

Coffee/Tea following service

Write Prayers of the People

Assist with sound system (training provided)

Worship—Music

Sing in Choir

Substitute Organist/Pianist

Summer Organist/Pianist

Play instrumental music on occasion

Worship—Special Events

Plan special worship events

Living Our Faith in the World

River Elm Breakfast Program

Winnipeg Harvest

Volunteer Drivers

Stewardship of Financial Resources

Yes

Please indicate dates/months you are NOT available

Offering Counters

Faith and Formation and Life Long Learning

Yes

Please indicate dates/months you are NOT available

Help with Sunday School/Youth

Caring for our Faith Community

Yes

Please indicate role/duty that would interest you.

Fowl Supper

Immanuel Players Dessert Theatre

Yes

Please indicate dates/months you are NOT available.

Bake for Memorials

Serve at Memorials

Cut Grass

Shovel Snow

Property Jobs

Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ________________________________________________________________________________________ Please return this completed form to the designated box at Amen Corner in the church, or mail to: Immanuel United Church 755 Golspie St. Winnipeg, MB R2K 2V4

THANK YOU

Staff Nancy Sanders, Minister

Sharon Vandenberg, Office Administrator

Jim Goldrup, Caretaker

Eileen Metcalfe, Choir Director

Peter Fyne, Organist

J. Douglas McMurtry, Minister Emeritus

William Hickerson, Minister Emeritus

Immanuel United Church

755 Golspie Street

Winnipeg MB R2K 2V4

Phone: 204-669-0220/0221

Fax: 204-669-2374

Email: iuchurch@mymts.net

Website: immanuelunitedchurch.net